Clinton resident Benji Perry was recognised with one of this year’s Clutha District Council Individual Community Service Awards.
Mr Perry, who shifted to Clinton in 2018 after time in Clydevale, has become a familiar name behind local projects and fundraisers.
His work has ranged from restoration to community recreation and support initiatives.
As president of the Clinton Lions Club, he helped keep the group active during Covid-19 lockdowns by introducing online meetings, while maintaining projects such as firewood distribution and livestock fundraising.
He has also been part of the Valley Roar hunting competition committee, which has raised more than $100,000 for causes including the Otago and Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust.
Heritage efforts have also been a focus, with Mr Perry contributing to the Willowbank Windmill restoration.
Locally, he has been a driving force in transforming old tennis courts into a bike park for children and pushing through long-delayed drainage works to prepare land for future community use.
Sale Yard Park has also benefited from his involvement, with sunflower fields and scarecrow competitions turning a previously neglected site into a popular gathering place.
A rural business professional, motivation came from wanting to make a better community for his young family and to encourage others to get involved, Mr Perry said.
"My grandparents were pretty involved with their community and I definitely get a lot of satisfaction from seeing people stopping to take photos with the sunflowers and really enjoying themselves with something you helped put there," Mr Perry said.
"I think Clinton is really starting to get to work on the idea that a bit of a face-lift here and there is a real morale lift too, and it’s really rewarding to have a hand in that."
With two young daughters, he credited the support of his wife for enabling him to give time to community projects.
He says Clinton has made progress in lifting its outlook and image, and he hopes future projects will continue that momentum.
